A featured image widget is a dynamic widget which adds an image in your layout.
The image which this widget displays is not one that you upload into the layout. Instead, it uses the featured image which has been assigned to your WordPress post, page, or ProPhoto gallery which is viewed.
When you want to create one template for many different pages, but need part of the layout to show a unique image from each page/post, use the featured image widget into your template.
(for featured images as backgrounds, see the background color and image guide instead)
An example
If you want a stylized graphic along the side of each of your pricing pages, you can make one template with a featured image widget in a side column, like this shows:
Then, each page which uses the template will display the page’s unique featured image in that part of the layout, as seen in this example page:
This eliminates the need to create a separate page template for each page. One template can be created with the featured image widget showing the unique image from each WordPress page or blog post.
How to set a featured image
Selecting a featured image will set it apart from the other images loaded into your post, page or ProPhoto gallery in WordPress. Featured images are used in many ways, including:
Facebook previews
blog excerpt views
ProPhoto Grids
featured image widgets
featured image backgrounds
...and more
By default, WordPress will use the first image uploaded to your post/page/gallery when it needs to make a thumbnail. But you can override this by setting a featured image.
When editing a post or page locate the "Featured Image" option area, typically along the right side of your screen. If you don't see that area, click the menu button on the top right then the Options link and check the box in the popup to show the Featured Image option area in your editor view.
Step 2 : Feature the image
In the media popup, select or upload an image to feature it for your post/page.
Step 3 : Update your post/page
See the Featured Image area in your editor screen to confirm your selection or to change it after the upload process.
When editing a post or page locate the "Featured Image" option area, typically along the right side of your screen. If you don't see that area, click the Screen Options link at the top right of the page and check the box to show the Featured Image option area in your editor view.
Step 2 : Feature the image
In the media popup, select or upload an image to feature it for your post/page.
You can also feature an image at any time when in the Add Media popup. Just click the Set Featured Image link on the top left of the uploader popup and it will take you to the same area as shown in the above screenshot.
When in the Add Media area already, there is a convenient link to set a featured image.
Step 3 : Update your post/page
See the Featured Image area in your editor screen to confirm your selection or to change it after the upload process.
